Capella Space
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, Structures & Deployables
Capella Space, Louisville, Kentucky, us, 40201
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, Structures & Deployables
Join to apply for the
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, Structures & Deployables
role at Capella Space. Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more. As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. Capella is a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, and together we’re charting the future of Earth observation to enable secure, fast on-orbit analytics. Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, and other government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists. About the Role & Team We are seeking a Senior Manager Mechanical Engineering with deep expertise in spacecraft structures and deployable mechanisms. You will be a senior technical manager on our deployables engineering team, responsible for designing, analyzing, and guiding the development of critical spacecraft structures and deployable systems from concept through launch. You will lead cross-functional efforts, mentor engineers, and ensure technical excellence in the design and execution of mechanical systems that withstand launch and operate reliably in space. Role Responsibilities Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for all deployable structures and mechanisms programs. Define and drive the product development roadmap aligned with business goals, customer requirements, and technology trends. Support the mechanical design and development of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including deployable mechanisms (e.g., solar arrays, booms, antennas, thermal radiators). Support cross-functional teams including design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing personnel. Oversee end-to-end development of deployable systems from concept through qualification and delivery. Ensure project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics are met. Support proposal development, cost estimation, and resource planning for new business opportunities. Interface with customers, partners, and suppliers to ensure alignment of technical requirements and deliverables. Mentor and grow a high-performing engineering team; promote knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and career development. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (master’s or PhD preferred). 10+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on deployables and complex mechanisms. Experience with precision deployment mechanisms and/or kinematic linkages. Expertise in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and structural analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN). Demonstrated success designing flight-qualified hardware that has launched into space. In-depth knowledge of structural design principles, including lightweighting, material selection, and load path optimization. Experience leading hardware through environmental testing campaigns (TVAC, vibe, shock, etc.). Strong communication skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts. ITAR compliance: Capella Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. authorities, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with additive manufacturing for aerospace applications. Hands-on experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AIT). Previous leadership of a small engineering team or technical project. Compensation The annual salary range for this role as posted is $146,000 - $193,562. The final salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience, location, and internal equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, vision, dental, 401(k), flexible time off, lifestyle spending, mental health resources, phone stipend, and pet-friendly accommodations. Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance or accommodations during the application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com. To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ Follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery.
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Join to apply for the
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, Structures & Deployables
role at Capella Space. Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more. As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. Capella is a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, and together we’re charting the future of Earth observation to enable secure, fast on-orbit analytics. Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, and other government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists. About the Role & Team We are seeking a Senior Manager Mechanical Engineering with deep expertise in spacecraft structures and deployable mechanisms. You will be a senior technical manager on our deployables engineering team, responsible for designing, analyzing, and guiding the development of critical spacecraft structures and deployable systems from concept through launch. You will lead cross-functional efforts, mentor engineers, and ensure technical excellence in the design and execution of mechanical systems that withstand launch and operate reliably in space. Role Responsibilities Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for all deployable structures and mechanisms programs. Define and drive the product development roadmap aligned with business goals, customer requirements, and technology trends. Support the mechanical design and development of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, including deployable mechanisms (e.g., solar arrays, booms, antennas, thermal radiators). Support cross-functional teams including design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing personnel. Oversee end-to-end development of deployable systems from concept through qualification and delivery. Ensure project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics are met. Support proposal development, cost estimation, and resource planning for new business opportunities. Interface with customers, partners, and suppliers to ensure alignment of technical requirements and deliverables. Mentor and grow a high-performing engineering team; promote knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and career development. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (master’s or PhD preferred). 10+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on deployables and complex mechanisms. Experience with precision deployment mechanisms and/or kinematic linkages. Expertise in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and structural analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN). Demonstrated success designing flight-qualified hardware that has launched into space. In-depth knowledge of structural design principles, including lightweighting, material selection, and load path optimization. Experience leading hardware through environmental testing campaigns (TVAC, vibe, shock, etc.). Strong communication skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts. ITAR compliance: Capella Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. authorities, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with additive manufacturing for aerospace applications. Hands-on experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AIT). Previous leadership of a small engineering team or technical project. Compensation The annual salary range for this role as posted is $146,000 - $193,562. The final salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience, location, and internal equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, vision, dental, 401(k), flexible time off, lifestyle spending, mental health resources, phone stipend, and pet-friendly accommodations. Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance or accommodations during the application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com. To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ Follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery.
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